Triumph, Tragedy, and the Tour - Episode 111 - The Knitmore Girls

Listen here:


This week's episode has been sponsored by:

Abstract Fiber is counting down to our new website. We’re expecting to be live at the beginning of August. A bright, new look, a new logo, a newsletter, and monthly specials. These specials will be very limited, so keep an eye out at the beginning of each month for knotty skeins, limited production fibers and yarns, and whatever other goodies we can find. We’ll have some new products too. Stay tuned to AbstractFiber.com


Amy Singer of Knitty.com is coming to Purlescence the first week of November! Join our mailing list to get details on her visit, her Easy Non-Wool Socks class, and new products including a new release of our in-house hand-painted sock yarn: Purl Up & Dye.



Knitter’s Magazine brings you the very best in the Knitting Universe. Each issue offers something for every knitter—easy step-by-step instructions, how-to techniques, informative articles, and the best designs from the most talented designers. We’re Knitter’s, it shows. You can find us on the web at http://KnittingUniverse.com/Knitters/ or call 800-232-5648

On the needles (00:38):

Gigi is still working on her Tiger Striped socks. Jasmin and Gigi disagree about pooling, striping, and general tigery-ness. Gigi talks about afterthought heels versus pre-planned heels. Jasmin mentions Andrew noticing the "When Knitting Attacks" music on an episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer (Season 2, "Bad Eggs").

Jasmin works on her Apricot Socks while attending Love's Labor's Lost at Shakespeare Santa Cruz. Jasmin is still working on her Cabled Raglan Tunic. After recording episode 111, Jasmin plans to cast on her Garter Yoke cardigan.


Contest: (9:12)

The Head to Toe design contest has been launched. Details can be found in the contest thread. The contest ends 8/31/2010. Prizes include:

• 1 Year Subscription to Knitter’s Magazine
• Think Outside the Sox
• A skein of Knitmore Sock yarn
• Little Box of Socks, with signed bookplate from Charlene Schurch.
• Toe Up! by Chrissy Gardener, with signed bookplate.

Events: (10:59)
- 9/6: Monterey Wool Auction (Here's the link to the Director's Cut episode about selecting fleeces.)
- 9/24-26: Oregon Flock and Fiber Festival

Ask an Intern: (11:51)

This week, Katrina spun, blocked, and knit. She spun some merino/silk from Abstract fiber (color "Poppies"). She is still enjoying spinning the Shetland batts from Sporfarm. She mentions the Brandywine shawl, the Citron Shawl, and the Elliina shawl. She has some finished wristers! She is also knitting the Lacy Beanie hat (from 101 Designer One Skein Wonders) with her Tour de Fleece yarn.

Mother Knows Best: (23:07)

This week, we talk about plying the odds and ends.

When Knitting Attacks: (28:30)

Gigi trips over unsightly nupps in her Aeolian shawl.

Tour de Fleece wrap up: (32:41)

Jasmin triumphs, Gigi doesn't place, but perseveres.

Review: (41:00)

This week we review the Sock Knitting Kit from Krafti-Kit. Overall impressions: good value, good yarn, good pattern- but the production quality of the pattern should have been better.

When in doubt, overdo - Episode 110- The Knitmore Girls

Listen here:


This week's episode has been sponsored by:

Abstract Fiber is building a pretty new website! In preparation, we’ve been taking tons of new photographs of yarn and fiber. You can see the pictures by searching Flickr for Abstract Fiber, or by following the link from AbstractFiber.com. We’ll be adding more photos, and keeping them on Flickr so you can browse anytime. Most of our yarn colors are available on all yarn bases, so if you see a color you like, you can have it in the yarn you want. As always, shipping in the US is free for orders over $100 at AbstractFiber.com.

Amy Singer of Knitty.com is coming to Purlescence the first week of November! Join our mailing list to get details on her visit, her Easy Non-Wool Socks class, and new products including a new release of our in-house hand-painted sock yarn: Purl Up & Dye.



Knitter’s Magazine brings you the very best in the Knitting Universe. Each issue offers something for every knitter—easy step-by-step instructions, how-to techniques, informative articles, and the best designs from the most talented designers. We’re Knitter’s, it shows. You can find us on the web at http://KnittingUniverse.com/Knitters/ or call 800-232-5648

On the needles: (00:31)

Gigi is working on a pair of tiger striped socks from "Campus Knits". Jasmin is working on the Twist Cardigan for Meghan (from the Stitch It! podcast) as part of Sweater Swap 2010. Jasmin is also working on the Cabled Raglan Tunic and learned to cable without a needle when she misplaced her Wanda tool. Jasmin talks about knitting with apricot colored Dream in Color Smooshy.

Contest: (4:07)

The Head to Toe design contest has been launched. Details can be found in the contest thread. The contest ends 8/31/2010. Prizes include:

• 1 Year Subscription to Knitter’s Magazine
• Think Outside the Sox
• A skein of Knitmore Sock yarn
• Little Box of Socks, with signed bookplate from Charlene Schurch.
• Toe Up! by Chrissy Gardener, with signed bookplate.

Events: (5:38)
- 9/6: Monterey Wool Auction (Here's the link to the Director's Cut episode about selecting fleeces.)
- 9/24-26: Oregon Flock and Fiber Festival

Ask an intern: (6:21)

Katrina has completed her Tour de Fleece spinning, which was blue cormo that she bought at the Retzlaff Winery spinning day. She spins on a Kromski Sonata and talks about "re-booting" her wheel. Katrina also worked on the Crown Mountain Farms Targhee, which she Navajo-plied. She also tried her hand at the Crown Mountain Farms Lincoln.

She started spinning the black and blue Shetland batts from Sporfarm. She has also learned both the provisional cast-on, and the modified continental bind-off from the Lucy Neatby DVDs. Katrina also learned to wet block the Brandywine and the Citron shawls.

Tour de Fleece update: (19:28)

Gigi has finished all of the repeats from the first chart. One of our listeners alerted her to dental floss ("with a fuzzy middle"), which seems to be the secret to speedy beaded knitting. Gigi found the information in the @Romi's Studio group; Jasmin found it on Rosemary's blog. (Hooray for Oral B Superfloss!) Jasmin declares ennui.

Review: (29:33)

This week we review Sock Club by Charlene Schurch and Beth Parrot; we love it!

Where do the lonely mittens go? - Episode 109 - The Knitmore Girls

Listen here:


This week's episode has been sponsored by:

Introducing Abstract Fiber Alto: 100% SuperWash Blue Faced Leicester in a 3-ply DK weight yarn. Shiny, very soft, just the right amount of twist. You should see how this yarn takes color! There is something magical about the way the colors smudge together and create new shades in between. Add the sheen, and it’s almost too pretty to sell. Perfect for sweaters, scarves, wrist warmers, just about anything. 4.5 ounces of Alto is nearly 400 yards and only $20. We think you’ll love Alto as much as we do. Find Alto online at AbstractFiber.com.


Amy Singer of Knitty.com is coming to Purlescence the first week of November! Join our mailing list to get details on her visit, her Easy Non-Wool Socks class, and new products including a new release of our in-house hand-painted sock yarn: Purl Up & Dye.



Knitter’s Magazine brings you the very best in the Knitting Universe. Each issue offers something for every knitter—easy step-by-step instructions, how-to techniques, informative articles, and the best designs from the most talented designers. We’re Knitter’s, it shows.
You can find us on the web at http://KnittingUniverse.com/Knitters/ or call 800-232-5648

On the needles: (00:37)

Gigi is one seam away from completing her Frost Flowers Stole. Jasmin is working on the Cabled Raglan Tunic by Cheryl Oberle, with the shaping from the Twist cardigan (by Bonne Marie Burns) overlaid onto it. We talk about the Vanilla Sweater thread in our Ravelry group, and some of our favorite vanilla sweaters include the Incredible Custom-Fit, Neckdown Raglan. We discuss tunics and body shapes. Gigi's Aeolian has made some progress. We mention Rosemary Hill's bead tutorial.

Gigi is knitting a baby hat using the Gull Wing pattern from Chrissy Gardener's Toe-Up! book. Jasmin talks about the Great Sweater Swap of 2010. Jasmin is knitting the Twist Cardigan out of Cascade 220 in color 9411 for Meghan.

Contest: (22:55)

The Head to Toe design contest has been launched. Details can be found in the contest thread. The contest ends 8/31/2010. Prizes include:

• 1 Year Subscription to Knitter’s Magazine
• Think Outside the Sox
• A skein of Knitmore Sock yarn
• Little Box of Socks, with signed bookplate from Charlene Schurch.
• Toe Up! by Chrissy Gardener, with signed bookplate.

Events: (23:29)
- 9/6: Monterey Wool Auction (Here's the link to the Director's Cut episode about selecting fleeces.)- 9/24-26: Oregon Flock and Fiber Festival

Mother Knows Best: (24:06)

We discuss whipping cables into shape, and learning techniques. We suggest the Lucy Neatby Knitting Gems 3 DVD for cable-specific help.

When Knitting Attacks: (27:38)

Gigi's Frost Flowers Stole hit a snag. Jasmin goes on the hunt for her Leslie Wind cable needle, and it turns up with a project that she really should finish.

Tour de Fleece Update: (31:28)

Gigi has done 6 repeats of the first chart on her Aeolian shawl. Handcyclists, please post to the Team Sasquatch board. Jasmin has spun 10 of the 24 ounces so far, but has suffered some minor equipment failure. Jasmin replaces Miss Kalendar's driveband.

Review (34:46)

This week, we review Magnificent Mittens by Anna Zilboorg. We LOVE this book! (We also mention Knitting for Anarchists.)

Straw into Gold: (42:14)

Jasmin talks about spinning Lincoln. She doesn't like it.

Beading heads against walls - Episode 108 - The Knitmore Girls

Listen here:


This week's episode has been sponsored by:

Introducing Abstract Fiber Alto: 100% SuperWash Blue Faced Leicester in a 3-ply DK weight yarn. Shiny, very soft, just the right amount of twist. You should see how this yarn takes color! There is something magical about the way the colors smudge together and create new shades in between. Add the sheen, and it’s almost too pretty to sell. Perfect for sweaters, scarves, wrist warmers, just about anything. 4.5 ounces of Alto is nearly 400 yards and only $20. We think you’ll love Alto as much as we do. Find Alto online at AbstractFiber.com.


Luscious laceweights are favorites for summertime knitting. At Purlescence Yarns we have a lovely array of laceweight yarns at 25% off July 7-12. From silk to merino to cashmere, we have what you need to make your lace knitting dreams come true. We're knitting Citron from Knitty.com in Madeline Tosh Prairie, Punta Mericash, & Claudia Silk. Call or email us with your order today!




Knitter’s Magazine brings you the very best in the Knitting Universe. Each issue offers something for every knitter—easy step-by-step instructions, how-to techniques, informative articles, and the best designs from the most talented designers. We’re Knitter’s, it shows.
You can find us on the web at http://KnittingUniverse.com/Knitters/ or call 800-232-5648

On the needles: (00:38 )

Gigi is making good progress on her Frost Flowers Stole. Jasmin has cast on a black cashmere Citron. Jasmin mentions her Knitmore Citron. Gigi has cast on the Aeolian Shawl out of Abstract Fiber MightySock (in Silver). Jasmin is knitting the Cabled Raglan Tunic by Cheryl Oberle out of Malabrigo in "Orchid". Thanks to Abby and Mr. Feibusch for the perfect zipper! Jasmin announces casting on her Somewhat Secret Project.

Contest: (10:41)

The Head to Toe design contest is launched. Details can be found in the contest thread. The contest ends 8/31/2010. Prizes include:

• 1 Year Subscription to Knitter’s Magazine
• Think Outside the Sox
• A skein of Knitmore Sock yarn
• Little Box of Socks, with signed bookplate from Charlene Schurch.
• Toe Up! by Chrissy Gardener, with signed bookplate.

Events: (12:26)

- 9/6: Monterey Wool Auction
- 9/24-26: Oregon Flock and Fiber Festival

Ask our intern! (13:47)

Katrina, the intern does her introduction to the segment! Please post any questions you'd like her to answer in the Ravelry thread.

Mother knows Best: (17:22)

This week, we recommend scanning patterns into your computer as you buy them.

When Knitting Attacks: (20:05)

Gigi hits a snag with her Tour de Fleece project. We talk about watching "Moon" while we Tour!

Tour de Fleece: (22:38)

Day 2 of the Tour de Fleece, we talk about our progress (or lack thereof). Jasmin is spinning BFL in "Jeans" from Susan's Spinning bunny, and a similar colorway in Lorna's Laces wool. Miss Kalendar is spinning dyed cormo from Sue Reuser. Gigi is stuck on beads.

Review: (28:30)

This week we review "Knit in Comfort" by Isabel Sharpe. We don't like it, give it a pass.

Straw into Gold: (36:17)

Jasmin talks about Targhee, courtesy of Crown Mountain Farms "Fiber of the Month" club.

Black Sheep Gathering recap! - Episode 107 - The Knitmore Girls

Listen here:


This week's episode has been sponsored by:

Introducing Abstract Fiber Alto: 100% SuperWash Blue Faced Leicester in a 3-ply DK weight yarn. Shiny, very soft, just the right amount of twist. You should see how this yarn takes color! There is something magical about the way the colors smudge together and create new shades in between. Add the sheen, and it’s almost too pretty to sell. Perfect for sweaters, scarves, wrist warmers, just about anything. 4.5 ounces of Alto is nearly 400 yards and only $20. We think you’ll love Alto as much as we do. Find Alto online at AbstractFiber.com.


Join us in welcoming Sandi Rosner, Friday (July 2, 2010 7:00 - 8:00pm) one of the great minds behind Think Outside the Sox, as she shares the inspiration for the contest, the selection process of the winning socks, and more! Sandi will be available to sign books after the talk.



Think Outside the SOX , the latest from XRX Books, features over 60 winning designs from the Knitter’s Magazine contest. This ultimate sock book highlights many design processes, innovative constructions and updates on traditional techniques and just plain beautiful socks. Extensive charts and diagrams, illustrated explanations, and detailed photographs all round out this how-to for everything socks. There’s no better time to be a sock knitter! You can find us on the web at http://KnittingUniverse.com/SOX/ or call 800-232-5648.

Show notes will be posted by July 1st.

On the Needles:

Thanks again to the boys for stunt hosting in episode 106. Jasmin mentions the list that co-worker Adam made for Eugene. Things on the list:

- McMenamins
- The Beanery (Allan Bros)
- Poppi's Anatolia

Other good stuff:

- AroundMe app
- Euphoria chocolate
- The Knit Shop, where we met Eugene Beugler
- Off the Waffle
- Marché
- Meeting Rachel from the KnitCents podcast, and Erin from The Anatomy of Knitting podcast

The boys are back! - Episode 106 - The Knitmore Girls

Listen here:


This week's episode has been sponsored by:

Abstract FiberFact #1: Who wants their knitting happiness interrupted by a knot in their yarn? We at Abstract Fiber believe our skeins should not have knots! We maintain a zero knot policy when winding our yarns. If the yarn breaks, we set it aside and start another skein. Our Macho Socks and triple skeins give you larger skeins, and still, no knots. At Abstract Fiber we provide you with the highest quality product, and that means no knots! Remember, at AbstractFiber.com we offer free shipping in the US and Canada for all orders over $100.


Join us in welcoming Sandi Rosner, Friday (July 2, 2010 7:00 - 8:00pm) one of the great minds behind Think Outside the Sox, as she shares the inspiration for the contest, the selection process of the winning socks, and more! Sandi will be available to sign books after the talk.



Think Outside the SOX , the latest from XRX Books, features over 60 winning designs from the Knitter’s Magazine contest. This ultimate sock book highlights many design processes, innovative constructions and updates on traditional techniques and just plain beautiful socks. Extensive charts and diagrams, illustrated explanations, and detailed photographs all round out this how-to for everything socks. There’s no better time to be a sock knitter! You can find us on the web at http://KnittingUniverse.com/SOX/ or call 800-232-5648.

On the needles: (1:01)

This week, Gregory and Andrew take over the show. Andrew is still a monogamous knitter and is working on the Not Your Standard Issue sweatshirt in Manos for Jasmin. Andrew talks about winning some roving for the oldest WIP at a yarn shop. Gregory is working on another cardigan in blue and green Divé. Gregory is working on the New York Niece knee socks.

Husband knows best: (6:18)

Andrew brags about hand-knit socks. The guys discuss the fashion of wearing socks with sandals. The guys like Teva sandals. Andrew mentions Chaco sandals.

When knitting attacks! (15:32)

Gregory talks about fixing a cable. Andrew neglects to knit the cap on a sleeve.

Reviews: (19:16)
Andrew and Gregory review "Guy Knits" by XRX books. Andrew likes the Perfectly Plain Vest. They agree that the production is good, and it's worth a flip through. They discuss balancing plain knitting with more interesting knitting.

They also review Knits Men Want by Bruce Weinstein, and both guys LOVE it! Andrew makes note of the cable knit mug from Starbucks. Andrew loves the Raglan Sleeved Henley, and wants it made out of handspun. Andrew tells a story about a fateful sweater fitting. The guys also mention the Warm and Ready set as well.

Tour de Fleece training: (31:49)

Traditional cyclists
Week 5: Clean your wheel. Go out on a nice day!

Hand cyclists
Week 5: Read through the directions, highlight your size, and make sure you're in the Team Sasquatch Ravelry group!

Straw into Gold: (36:32)

Gregory talks about learning the park and draft method of spinning.

BeaDazzled - Episode 105 - The Knitmore Girls

Listen here:


This week's episode has been sponsored by:

Introducing Abstract Fiber Alto: 100% SuperWash Blue Faced Leicester in a 3-ply DK weight yarn. Shiny, very soft, just the right amount of twist. You should see how this yarn takes color! There is something magical about the way the colors smudge together and create new shades in between. Add the sheen, and it’s almost too pretty to sell. Perfect for sweaters, scarves, wrist warmers, just about anything. 4.5 ounces of Alto is nearly 400 yards and only $20. We think you’ll love Alto as much as we do. Find Alto online at AbstractFiber.com.


Join us in welcoming Sandi Rosner, Friday (July 2, 2010 7:00 - 8:00pm) one of the great minds behind Think Outside the Sox, as she shares the inspiration for the contest, the selection process of the winning socks, and more! Sandi will be available to sign books after the talk.



Think Outside the SOX , the latest from XRX Books, features over 60 winning designs from the Knitter’s Magazine contest. This ultimate sock book highlights many design processes, innovative constructions and updates on traditional techniques and just plain beautiful socks. Extensive charts and diagrams, illustrated explanations, and detailed photographs all round out this how-to for everything socks. There’s no better time to be a sock knitter! You can find us on the web at http://KnittingUniverse.com/SOX/ or call 800-232-5648.

On the needles (00:36)

Gigi is excited about knitting with beads! Jasmin has finished knitting her Knitmore Girls Citron! Jasmin is planning her next Citron, maybe out of some stashed Ceallach Dyes laceweight merino (colorway "night lace gradiations"). Jasmin is working S-L-O-W-L-Y on her Brandywine Shawl for the KAL. Gigi is working on a pair of Houdini socks from Personal Footprints for Insoucient Sock Knitters (out of Abstract Fiber Supersock in "Be Mine"). We'll be doing a 7 Small Shawls KAL, starting soon.

Gigi has some success with her Frost Flowers Stole. Jasmin gets out of heel flap purgatory on her Supernatural socks. Gigi talks about doing a beaded bindoff (we mistakenly thank Maniago, really, we meant DebbieScally). We talk about WWKIP day at Santana Row. Jasmin mentions Maido, and Japanese WASHI paper masking tape.

Events: (19:21)

- 6/18-20: Black Sheep Gathering. Eugene, OR. Meet and greet TBA (on our Ravelry board, and our Twitter, @knitmoregirls)
- 7/3 : Start of the Tour de Fleece! We'll be doing a mass-start starting at 8:30 AM PST in the Team Sasquatch group chat.
- 9/6: Monterey Wool Auction

Contest: (24:27)

The Head to Toe design contest is launched. Details can be found in the contest thread. The contest ends 8/31/2010. Prizes include:

• 1 Year Subscription to Knitter’s Magazine
• Think Outside the Sox
• A skein of Knitmore Sock yarn
• Little Box of Socks, with signed bookplate from Charlene Schurch.
• Toe Up! by Chrissy Gardener, with signed bookplate.

When knitting attacks! (27:27)

Jasmin declares the bind-off for the Citron to be the Longest. Bindoff. EVER. Jasmin mentions the MimKnits technique for applying beads. Gigi's Cozy Cables socks turn out a bit small.

We play the Knaked Knits promo!

Review: (33:03)

This week, we review the Knitting Essentials 2 DVD by Lucy Neatby. We LOVE it! We mention the DVD subscription service.

Tour de Fleece Training: (45:46)

Handcyclists:
Week 4: Hunt for errata.

Traditional Cyclists:
Week 4: Check the condition of your tools (bobbins, driveband, oil, timer).

Straw into Gold: (49:10)

Jasmin mentions spinning Targhee. She is plying the Bubblegum singles and is getting "clown noses" everywhere.